Native landscaping is a complex topic. It’s not just about using native plants, after all; it’s also about creating an ecosystem and keeping the environment healthy.
In this article, we take a closer look at how native landscaping can impact your yard, garden or farm in surprising ways—and why it’s worth considering if you want to avoid certain problems down the line.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Incorporating native landscaping plants into your yard can provide many benefits, such as easier maintenance, improved soil health, and habitat for wildlife. |
| Choosing the right plant species for your area will ensure that they are adapted to the climate, suit the local ecosystem, and will require less water and fertilization. |
| Native plants often have a better resistance to disease and pests compared to non-native species, reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides. |
| Non-native plants can still be used in landscaping projects, but it’s essential to be mindful of their potential impact on the local ecosystem and choose wisely. |
| Consult with a local gardening expert or landscape professional, or use resources from organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation to find the best native plants for your area. |
They Don’t Need A Lot Of Water
If you’re one of the many people who loves to garden but loathes watering, native plants are an excellent choice.
Many native plants thrive in arid conditions and will do just fine with little water or even no irrigation at all. In fact, some species have adapted so well that they can survive on rainwater alone or summers without rain at all!
If you live in a dry climate and want to use gray water the wastewater from washing machines, dishwashers, etc. for your native plants’ irrigation needs, be sure to consult with a professional first.
If you’re not lucky enough to live in an area with abundant rainfall and cool winters (like me), consider installing rain barrels on your property so that collected rainwater can be reused as needed throughout the year.
You’ll save money by not having to purchase bottled water for your plants’ irrigation needs while still keeping them healthy and happy!
If you’re looking to bring more variety to your garden, check out our list of 10 must-have landscaping plants to learn about new species to add to your collection.
Native Plants Can Be Beautiful
The second thing to keep in mind is that native plants can be beautiful in their own right, even if they don’t look like the traditional landscape plants you’re used to. Native plants come in a variety of colors, shapes and textures that you might not have thought possible.
They also provide beauty throughout the year—not just during one season. Many of our featured flowers and shrubs bloom at various times throughout the year, creating a stunning display around your home all year long!
They’re Very Low Maintenance
Native plants are typically lower maintenance than non-native species. They’re not as picky about soil conditions, and they don’t need to be fertilized or sprayed with pesticides.
Native plants also don’t need much pruning, so you can use them to create a more natural look without having to put in a lot of effort. And because they’re adapted to your region’s climate, they’ll require less water than other types of plant life.
For busy homeowners looking to maintain a beautiful outdoor space without putting in too much time and effort, we’ve compiled a list of the best low-maintenance landscaping plants that you can include in your garden.
You Won’t Need To Fertilize Or Use Pesticides
Native plants are adapted to the local environment and don’t need extra help, so you can plant them without having to worry about them dying off quickly.
Native Landscaping Can Boost The Local Ecosystem
Native plants are an important component of the local ecosystem, helping to support local wildlife and create a habitat for birds, butterflies and other insects.
Native plants provide food and shelter for a wide range of animals, such as bees and butterflies (which also feed on nectar), as well as small mammals such as mice or squirrels. Some native plants even attract specific types of birds to your yard because they provide nesting materials or seeds that they like eating.
For example, if you have a patch of tall grasses in your yard that attracts cardinals during the springtime migration season, then it’s probably best to leave them be instead of cutting them down so that they can keep providing this resource for these birds every year.
Choosing the right plants for your yard can make all the difference in the appearance and health of your landscape. Learn from the experts and read our guide on choosing the right landscaping plants to elevate your garden game.
They Generally Require Less Pruning
Many native plants require less pruning than the non-native alternatives. This means that you won’t have to spend time and money on cutting back your trees, shrubs and vines. A few types of plants, like bamboo, do need regular pruning to look their best but for the most part native plants will be easier to keep in check because of their self-sufficient nature.
Native Plants Thrive In The Heat And Cold
With native plants, you won’t have to worry about whether they’re going to survive the season. Native plants are adapted to your local climate, so they’ll do just fine without any extra care.
Let’s say you’re in Atlanta, GA and it’s a hot summer day (which is common). You can leave your windows open without being worried that your houseplants will be burnt by the sun or freeze in the cold winter nights. Your local temperature extremes are no match for these resilient plants!
A well-planned selection of landscaping plants can transform your outdoor space into an oasis. Check out our list of 15 landscaping plants for inspiration and ideas to bring your garden to life.
They Are Often Very Adaptable
One of the greatest benefits of using native plants is that they are often very adaptable. Native plants can be used in a variety of different climates and soil conditions, as well as light levels and temperatures.
They also thrive in a range of water conditions, making them ideal for landscaping because they are more likely to survive than most non-natives.
Some examples of common native plant species include:
- Asimina triloba (common pawpaw)
- Carpinus caroliniana (American hornbeam)
- Castanea dentata (American chestnut)
- Fraxinus spp., Fagus spp., Quercus spp., Ulmus americana (all oaks)
They Don’t Become Invasive
A common misconception about native plants is that they will become invasive and overtake our natural landscapes. While some species are highly invasive, most of the ones you’ll find in your local nursery won’t.
This is because they are already established in your area and have adapted to the climate, soil and other conditions of that region. In addition, native species don’t require a lot of water or fertilizer so their maintenance requirements are minimal compared to non-natives that may require lots of resources to grow.
They’ll Attract Wildlife To Your Yard
Wildlife like to eat native plants. Birds, butterflies and other insects love them! Native plants are also good for pollinators like bees because they provide food and shelter for them.
They’re a natural part of the ecosystem here in California, so it’s important that we promote their use by planting them in our own yards.
| Plant Name | Wildlife Attracted | Bloom Time | Maximum Height | Sun Preference | Soil Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfly Milkweed (‘Asclepias tuberosa’) | Butterflies, Bees | Summer | 1-3 ft | Full sun | Loam, Sandy |
| Eastern Redbud (‘Cercis canadensis’) | Bees, Birds | Spring | 20-30 ft | Full sun, Partial shade | Loam, Clay |
| Black-Eyed Susan (‘Rudbeckia hirta’) | Butterflies, Bees, Birds | Summer | 2-3 ft | Full sun | Loam, Sandy |
| Cardinal Flower (‘Lobelia cardinalis’) | Hummingbirds, Butterflies | Summer | 2-4 ft | Partial shade | Loam, Sandy |
| Serviceberry (‘Amelanchier canadensis’) | Birds, Butterflies | Spring | 15-20 ft | Full sun, Partial shade | Loam, Sandy, Clay |
This table includes examples of native plants that attract wildlife to your yard such as birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By creating habitat and providing food sources for wildlife, you can beautify your landscape while also contributing to the local ecosystem.
You Won’t End Up Competing With Them For Valuable Space And Nutrients
One of the biggest benefits of using native plants is that you won’t end up competing with them for valuable space and nutrients.
Because they are adapted to their specific environment, they don’t need to be fed or watered in order to survive, so you can focus on other things. This means less work for you and more resources saved for your new plants!
Another great thing about native plants is that they don’t require pesticides or fertilizer, which means even fewer chemicals in your yard—and better air quality!
By choosing a variety of different species (rather than just one), you also encourage an array of wildlife like birds and butterflies. It’s another way we get more bang for our buck by making sure our natural resources are protected while still looking great.
Native landscaping is beautiful all year round because each season brings its own unique charm: wildflowers bloom during spring; summer brings lush green foliage; fall offers vibrant colors like orange leaves against dark blue skies… You’ll find something gorgeous no matter what time of year it happens to be outside!
Xeriscaping is a sustainable approach to landscaping that can help conserve water and create a beautiful garden. Learn more about this technique and read our tips for a beautiful, sustainable garden using low-water plants and landscaping strategies.
They Won’t “Take Over” Other Parts Of Your Garden Or Yard
If you’ve ever tried to grow a non-native plant in your yard, you know that it can be difficult and time consuming.
These plants often need extra care and water to thrive, which means that they may not be the best choice for your yard.
Native plants are naturally suited to the climate and soil in your region, so they won’t need as much maintenance as non-natives do. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance landscaping solution, consider using native plants!
Non-Invasive Native Plants
| Plant Name | Growth Habit | Maximum Height | Bloom Time | Soil Type | Sun Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple Coneflower (‘Echinacea purpurea’) | Clumping | 2-5 ft | Summer | Loam, Sandy | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Little Bluestem (‘Schizachyrium scoparium’) | Bunching | 2-4 ft | Fall | Sandy, Loam | Full sun |
| Wild Geranium (‘Geranium maculatum’) | Clumping | 1-2 ft | Spring | Loam, Clay | Partial shade |
| Eastern Red Columbine (‘Aquilegia canadensis’) | Clumping | 1-3 ft | Spring, Summer | Loam, Sandy | Partial shade |
| Bee Balm (‘Monarda fistulosa’) | Spreading | 2-4 ft | Summer | Loam, Sandy | Full sun, Partial shade |
This table includes some examples of non-invasive native plants that won’t take over other areas of your garden or yard. These plants have a controlled growth habit and work well in both garden settings and natural areas.
Conclusion
Native plants are a great way to improve your yard and garden. They’re easy to maintain, they don’t need a lot of care, and they’ll help your local ecosystem thrive.
Plus, they look beautiful! So if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional landscaping plants or just want to save some money on watering bills each year, consider using native species.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about the benefits of native landscaping plants:
Why Native Plants Matter: This article from the Audubon Society explains why native plants are essential for the local ecosystem, and provides tips for incorporating them into your landscaping.
6 Benefits of Landscaping with Native Plants: This article from Greener Horizon lists the top advantages of using native plants for your landscaping projects.
Benefits of Native Plants: Lawnstarter’s blog post delves into the many benefits of incorporating native plants into your yard, from improved soil health to wildlife habitat.
FAQs
What are native plants?
Native plants are species that are naturally present in a given area, having evolved over time to suit the local ecosystem and climate. They are part of the region’s historical and ecological landscape.
Why are native plants important for landscaping?
Native plants are often easier to maintain, require less water and fertilization, and tend to be more disease and pest-resistant than non-native species. They also provide ecosystem services such as habitat for wildlife, improved soil health, and reduced need for pesticides and herbicides.
How do I choose native plants for my landscape?
The best approach is to consult with a local gardening expert or landscape professional who is knowledgeable about the native plant species in your area. You can also find native plant lists and resources online from organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation.
Can I use non-native plants in my landscaping?
Yes, non-native plants can be used in landscaping projects. However, it is important to be mindful of their potential impact on the local ecosystem and choose species that are not invasive or harmful to native wildlife.
Where can I purchase native plants for my landscape?
Many local nurseries and garden centers carry native plant species, or you can order them online from specialty retailers and conservation organizations such as the Native Plant Society.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a landscape designer in Los Angeles. I’ve been working with homeowners and businesses to help them improve the look of their properties for over 10 years.
